Microencapsulation coating for gloves

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for a coating having microcapsules for use with a glove. The coating improves both wet and dry and donnability of the glove. The coating comprises microcapsules, water and a polyurethane for application to a glove.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an easily donnable glove produced usinga novel coating formulation that includes a microencapsulated material.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical, surgical and other gloves, made of a rubber latex, aretypically made so that these rubber articles tightly conform to thehuman hand. Because of this tight fit, such gloves are typicallylubricated on the skin-contacting inner surface in order to facilitatedonning of the gloves. The standard lubricant utilized for this purposeis dusting powder, e.g., cross-linked corn starch.

Various methods have been proposed to provide slip finishes on rubberarticles, thus seeking to avoid the use of powdered internal surfacelubricants. For example, the surface of a rubber glove can behalogenated with bromine or chlorine to make it slippery. Thistreatment, however, has certain disadvantages well-known in the art andtypically does not produce a glove that is easier to don than a gloveinternally coated with dusting powder. One prior art glove provides aslip finish comprising a rubber latex blended with a resin latex. Thisapproach, while lowering the coefficient of friction of the rubberglove, does not significantly improve donnability. Yet another prior artglove is made with granular material deposited on the inner,skin-contacting surface of a single-layer vinyl or silicone glove inorder to reduce the frictional contact between the glove layer and theskin of the wearer. Use of this glove, however, results in the granularmaterial being abraded from the inner glove surface thus generatingloose particulate matter.

One example of the prior art is a therapeutic glove for dry hands. Theglove comprises two layers of mesh or scrim, an upper palm panel orlayer and a lower back of the hand or layer. The scrim is heat fused atthe borders of all five fingers and the mesh layers have a coating ofdried polyvinyl alcohol. As the glove is worn and subsequentlymoistened, most or all of the polyvinyl alcohol coating dissolves,leaving a mixture of dissolved polyvinyl alcohol and water, held captivein the mesh in a somewhat slurry or slush form. In addition, as theoutermost part of the slurry begins to dry by normal evaporation, theinner parts of the slurry disposed between the outer part of the gloveand the skin continue to moisturize the skin. One significantdisadvantage of this type of prior art is the lack of dexterity in thehands and fingers for use in fine motor function. Another disadvantageis the use of polyvinyl alcohol attached to the interior of the glove.The hand must first be wetted or moistened for the polyvinyl alcohol todissolve. In addition, the exterior of the glove must be moistened forcontinued dissolution of the polyvinyl alcohol.

It is therefore desirable to have a glove with moisturizing properties,which is easily donnable on both dry and damp hands, made by a processthat does not result in loose particulate matter on the inside of thegloves.

Accordingly, there is a need to have a glove that provides moisturizerto the skin yet provides the user the ability to maintain dexterity inthe hands and fingers for fine motor function.

It is also advantageous to have a glove that does not rely on dustingpowders and or on an internal surface lubricant for donnability, butinstead applies a surface lubricant in a new and improved way.

It is further advantageous to have a glove that does not requiremoisture or wetting of the hand or interior of the glove prior todonning of the glove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a compositionincluding a mixture of a microcapsule, water, and a polyurethane. Themicrocapsule includes a low viscosity hydrocarbon, fragrance, vitamins,and a microcapsule coating. The microcapsule coating includes apolyacetal urea.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a glove coatingincluding a mixture of a microcapsule, water, and a polyurethane. Themicrocapsule includes a low viscosity hydrocarbon, fragrance, vitamins,and a microcapsule coating. The microcapsule coating includes apolyacetal urea.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a compositionincluding a mixture of a microcapsule, water, and a polyurethane. Themicrocapsule includes hydrogenated polyisobutene, vanilla fragrance,Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin E Acetate, and a microcapsule coating. Themicrocapsule coating includes a polyoxymethylene urea.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a glove coatingincluding a mixture of a microcapsule, water, and a polyurethane. Themicrocapsule includes hydrogenated polyisobutene, vanilla fragrance,Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin E Acetate, and a microcapsule coating. Themicrocapsule coating includes a polyoxymethylene urea.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a glove includingan outside surface and an inside skin contacting surface includingmicrocapsules. The microcapsule includes a low viscosity hydrocarbon,fragrance, vitamins, and a microcapsule coating. The microcapsulecoating includes a polyacetal urea.

In another embodiment the present invention provides a glove includingan outside surface and an inside skin contacting surface includingmicrocapsules. The microcapsule includes hydrogenated polyisobutene,vanilla fragrance, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin E Acetate, and amicrocapsule coating. The microcapsule coating includes apolyoxymethylene urea.

In another embodiment the present invention utilizes a microcapsuleincluding a low viscosity hydrocarbon, fragrance, moisturizers, dyes andvitamins to improve the donnability of rubber gloves. The microcapsulesmay be applied to the glove in various ways to achieve a layer on thehand-contacting surface that will improve the donnability, odor andmoisturizing properties of the glove. As the gloves are donned on thehand, the microcapsules rupture to provide moisturizers and vitamins tothe hand. The present invention further provides for a process formanufacturing a glove with increased donning capabilities that includesthe use of microcapsules in a dip coating over the rubber latex glovelayer.

In another embodiment the present invention utilizes a microcapsuleincluding hydrogenated polyisobutene, fragrance, moisturizers, dyes andvitamins to improve the donnability of rubber gloves. The microcapsulesmay be applied to the glove in various ways to achieve a layer on thehand-contacting surface that will improve the donnability, odor andmoisturizing properties of the glove. As the gloves are donned on thehand, the microcapsules rupture to provide moisturizers and vitamins tothe hand. The present invention further provides for a process formanufacturing a glove with increased donning capabilities that includesthe use of microcapsules in a dip coating over the rubber latex glovelayer.

There is provided, in accordance with the principles of the presentinvention, a glove having moisturizing properties that is easilydonnnable on both wet and dry hands that does not result in looseparticulate matter.

There is further provided, according to the principles of the presentinvention, a glove that provides moisturizer to the skin while enablingthe user to maintain fine motor function in both the hands and fingers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of the microcapsulesaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 500% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 5×700% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip at a 5×700% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip after a break according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample with a 1weight % microcapsule overdip after a break according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 11 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 12 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 2 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 13 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 2 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 14 is a scalning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 15 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 16 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 17 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 18 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 19 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.75 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 20 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 21 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 22 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 23 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 24 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 25 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 26 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 27 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 28 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 29 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 500% stretch.

FIG. 30 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 31 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to anembodiment of the present invention having a 1.25 weight % microcapsuleoverdip at a 5×700% stretch.

FIG. 32 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 33 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 34 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 500% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 35 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 5×700% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 36 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 5×700% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 37 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip after a break according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 38 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip at a 5×700% stretch according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 39 is a scanning electron photomicrograph of a tube sample having a4 weight % microcapsule overdip after a break according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 40 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to the presentinvention with a Powder Free Coagulant glove with a 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 41 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to the presentinvention with a Powder Free Coagulant glove with a 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 42 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to the presentinvention with a Powder Free Coagulant glove with a 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip at a 0% stretch.

FIG. 43 is a scanning electron photomicrograph according to the presentinvention with a Powder Free Coagulant glove with a 1.25 weight %microcapsule Overdip at a 0% stretch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There is provided according to the principles of the present invention,a glove coating including microcapsules having materials containedwithin the microcapsules used to enhance donning, increase moisturizingproperties and impart a pleasant odor. The microcapsules may be appliedto the glove in the donning coating overdip, as a direct application tothe wet latex film, in a compound within the latex, or in a slurry as afinal dip.

The embodiments set forth in Tables 1-6 below use the microcapsules inthe donning coating overdip. Generally, microcapsules of the presentinvention include a low viscosity hydrocarbon, fragrance, vitamins,moisturizers, dyes and a microcapsule coating having a polyacetal urea.Alternatively, the microcapsule coating may include polyamides and/orgelatin. Examples of low vicosity hydrocarbons include hydrogenatedpolyisobutene, hydrogenated polybutene, hydrogenated polydecene, and thelike. The embodiments listed below are but one way in which themicrocapsules may be used and represent concentrations of themicrocapsule in an overdip solution. An overdip solution is one examplein which an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to theglove and involves dipping the formed rubber glove into a solutioncontaining the microcapsules. The microcapsules are deposited in a layerwhich becomes a part of the inside donning surface of the glove. Theembodiments set forth below include microcapsules containingmoisturizing and fragrance materials, the microcapsules in a range fromabout 1 weight % to about 5 weight % of the overdip solution containingwater and polyurethane. The microcapsules are attached to the insidedonning surface of the glove such that, as the glove is donned on thehand, the microcapsules rupture. The ruptured microcapsules lubricatethe glove and moisturize the hand to improve both wet and dry handdonnability. Microcapsules may be used in different amounts and withother materials to achieve the same or better results for increaseddonnability. The embodiments set forth in Tables 1-6 are not exhaustiveand represent only a few possible combinations that includemicrocapsules to increase glove donnability. TABLE 1 Material Test 1Test 2 Water 700.15 g 3850.83 g Polyurethane  91.43 g  502.86 gMicrocapsules  8.42 g  46.32 g

One example of the polyurethane used according to the embodiments of thepresent invention set forth herein is Solucote 1088. Solucote 1088 isavailable from Soluol Chemical Company located in West Warwick, R.I. andwill be used as but one example of a polyurethane that may be usedaccording to the principles of the present invention, but is not limitedthereto. Unless otherwise specified, the polyurethane used by theexamples set forth herein according to the present invention is Solucote1088.

One example of the microcapsules used according to the embodiments ofthe present invention set forth herein is LIPOCAPSULE™. LIPOCAPSULE™ isavailable from Lipo Technologies and will be used as an example of themicrocapsules that may be used according to the principles of thepresent invention, but is not limited thereto. Unless otherwisespecified, the microcapsules used in the examples of the presentinvention are LIPOCAPSULE™ made from Panalene®, vanilla fragrance,Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin E Acetate and having a microcapsulecoating having a polyoxymethylene urea. Panalene® is hydrogenatedpolyisobutene, and is a registered mark of BP.

According to the present invention, polyurethane favorably bindsmicrocapsules to the latex film of the glove. FIG. 1 illustrates ascanning electron photomicrograph of the microcapsules and shows theirapproximate measurements. The microcapsules comprise a core material anda microcapsule coating as set forth herein. The use of microcapsuleshaving other core materials and microcapsule coatings may have varyingresults in the present invention, among them enhanced donnability,pleasant odor, and increased moisturizing properties.

The examples of the present invention shown in Tables 1-6 illustratethat the microcapsules tested bind well to latex with the use ofpolyurethane and enhance both damp and dry hand donning. Additionalembodiments of the present invention may be used to achieve similar orbetter results by applying the microcapsules to the wet latex film ofthe glove, forming a compound with the microcapsules and the latex, orusing the microcapsules in a slurry as a final dip.

In one example of the present invention, the microcapsules are presentin the overdip coating at a level of 1% by weight mixed withpolyurethane and water. This embodiment, shown in Test 1 and in a largerbatch as Test 2 in Table 1, was found to produce favorable results indry donning tests and the polyurethane was found to bind themicrocapsules well to the surface of the glove. FIGS. 2-9 show scanningelectron photomicrographs of tube samples with a 1 weight % microcapsuleoverdip coating. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate scanning electronphotomicrographs of sample gloves with a 1 weight % microcapsule overdipcoating.

In another example of the invention, a 2 weight % microcapsule overdipcoating was created. The 2 weight % microcapsule coating is illustratedin Table 2 below. In this example, the microcapsules were combined withpolyurethane in water to make an overdip mix and applied to the glove.After the overdip coating was applied, the surface of the glovedisplayed some particulate matter. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate scanningelectron photomicrographs of glove surfaces with the 2 weight %microcapsule overdip. TABLE 2 Material Test 3 Water 3850.83 gPolyurethane  502.86 g Microcapsules  92.64 g

In another example of the present invention, the microcapsule overdipincludes a 1.75 weight % microcapsule overdip with polyurethane andwater. FIGS. 14-19 represent scanning electron photomicrographs ofgloves with the 1.75 weight % microcapsule overdip. Table 3 shows theratio of materials used in the 1.75 weight % microcapsule overdipcoating. The 1.75 weight % microcapsule overdip coating was found tohave increased donning capabilities as well as moisturizing propertiesand a fragrant scent. TABLE 3 Material Test 4 Water 4,361.62 gPolyurethane  574.74 g Microcapsules  92.64 g

Another example of the present invention includes an overdip comprising1.5 weight % microcapsules, polyurethane and water. The 1.5 weight %microcapsule overdip coating is represented by Table 4. FIGS. 20-25 showscanning electron photomicrographs of gloves with the 1.5 weight %microcapsule overdip. The 1.5 weight % microcapsule overdip, asillustrated also facilitates donning of the gloves on both damp and dryhands while maintaining a pleasant odor and moisturizing the hands.TABLE 4 Material Test 5 Water 5,103.85 g Polyurethane  670.51 gMicrocapsules  92.64 g

A further example of the present invention includes an overdip coatingsolution comprising a 1.25 weight % microcapsule, water andpolyurethane. Table 5 shows the components of the 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip coating formulation. FIGS. 26-31 illustratescanning electron photomicrographs of gloves with the 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip. The 1.25 weight % microcapsule overdip coating hasproven to increase donning capabilities for both damp and dry hands. Italso showed improved fragrance and moisturizing properties as well.TABLE 5 Material Test 6 Water 6,143.67 g Polyurethane  804.69 gMicrocapsules  92.64 g

Another example of the present invention has about a 4 weight %microcapsule overdip with water and polyurethane. Table 6 shows thecomponents of the overdip solution for this embodiment. FIGS. 32-39illustrate scanning electron photomicrographs of tube samples with the 4weight % overdip solution. This example also shows increased donningcapabilities for both damp and dry hands and adheres well to the rubberlayer. TABLE 6 Material Test 7 Water 662.86 g Polyurethane  45.71 gMicrocapsules  91.43 g

The glove coatings with percentages of microcapsules falling betweenabout 1 weight % and about 1 weight % as shown in Tables 1-6, proved toincrease the donning capabilities of gloves in both dry and wet donningtests. The ratios provided in Tables 1-6 are illustrative of but a fewexamples of the embodiment of the present invention. The microcapsules,polyurethane and water may be used in varying proportions to achievesimilar or better results. However, according to the principles of thepresent invention, a concentration of microcapsules from about 1 weight% to about 5 weight % based on the total weight of the glove coating maybe used in making the coating.

The examples of the present invention as shown in Tables 1-6 alsomaintain a powder-free surface after manufacture of the glove iscomplete. Gloves made with the microcapsule overdips listed in Tables1-6 exhibit very low levels of powder, less than 2 milligrams per glove,as shown in Table 7 after curing of the glove. The levels of powderexhibited by the examples of the present invention are significantlyless than those typically found in standard gloves. Consistent with FDAregulations, the powder levels of a standard powder free glove are lessthan 2 mg while powdered gloves may have about 200 mg of powder perglove. TABLE 7 Percentage of Powder Weight Microcapsule (wt) (inmg/glove) 1.75% 1.42 1.50% 0.76 1.25% 1.225

Additionally, the use of the microcapsules in the overdip solution iscompatible with the use of a powder free coagulant. FIGS. 40 and 41illustrate scanning electron photomicrographs of the outside surface ofgloves made with a 1.25 weight % microcapsule overdip as illustrated inTable 5 and made by a process including the use of powder freecoagulant. FIGS. 42 and 43 show scanning electron photomicrographs ofthe inside, or donning surface of the gloves made with a 1.25 weight %microcapsule overdip and powder free coagulant. The combined use of apowder free coagulant and a microcapsule overdip in the presentinvention results in gloves that are easier to don with damp or dryhands and substantially free of particulate matter.

A process for making a glove, using a coating of the present invention,is described as follows. A standard latex coagulant is applied to aclean ceramic former and dried. A standard latex coagulant generallycomprises an aqueous solution of a divalent cationic metal salt, asurfactant or wetting agent, and a release powder. The typical divalentmetal salt includes, but is not limited to calcium nitrate and thetypical class of surfactant or wetting agent is nonionic while thetypical release powder is calcium carbonate. Of course, alcohols may beused in lieu of water, other divalent or trivalent cationic metal saltscan be used, other surfactant types may be used that are salt stable andother release powders include, but are not limited to starch and talc.

Preferably, the salt is calcium nitrate and the calcium nitrate contentis between about 7% and about 50% by weight of the total coagulantcontent. More preferably, the calcium nitrate content is in a range ofabout 30% to 45% by weight of the total coagulant content. Thecoagulating agent most preferably comprises aqueous based calciumnitrate having a solids content of about 60% to about 70% by weight ofthe raw material. Other divalent cationic metal salts such as, forexample, calcium chloride, zinc nitrate, zinc chloride, magnesiumacetate, magnesium nitrate, aluminum nitrate and aluminum sulphate maybe used individually or in combination with the calcium nitrate.

The ceramic former is dipped into a compounded latex to form a rubberfilm or laminate layer in the shape of a hand. For example, after therelease agent/coagulant dip is applied, a laminate layer is applied tothe former. The laminate layer may be comprised of an elastomeric orliquid resin dip, such as natural rubber latex. Alternatively, thelaminate layer may be a synthetic rubber, such as synthetic latex,polyurethane, nitrile or polychloroprene. By varying the content of thelatex material, the laminate layer may be varied to provide differentdegrees of strength, comfort and flexibility. In any event, the contentof the latex applied to the former will preferably be adjusted toprovide the desired gripability, protection from cuts and abrasions andliquid repellency. If desired, the gelled latex film can be overdippedwith copolymers of vinyl methyl ether and maleic esters.

After the application of the laminate layer, a second coagulant dip maybe applied if another laminate layer is to be applied. The secondcoagulant dip, which is preferably in the form of a tackifying agent,provides a medium for adherence of the laminate applied in the nextstep. According to an alternative technique, the formers may be immersedinto an adhesive dip to provide strength and a tacky surface for theapplication of the next laminate layer. Such an adhesive dip may becomprised of any synthetic resin material, and preferably an elastomer.Different degrees of strength and flexibility may be obtained by varyingthe characteristics of the adhesive material. After application ofeither a second coagulant dip or an adhesive dip, the next laminatelayer is applied.

The gelled latex is then leached in water and dipped in an aluminumsulfate primer. The latex film then enters the coating solution of thepresent invention having about a 1 weight % to 5 weight % microcapsuleoverdip. The glove is then passed through ovens at elevated temperaturesto dry and cure. Following curing, the glove may be dipped in a siliconeemulsion to improve donning and removal from the former.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided apowder-free coagulant dip. The powder-free coagulant dip comprises acoagulant mixed with water, a surfactant, a detackification agent, anaqueous polychloroprene and an accelerator. Following the curing of thecoagulant, an overdip comprising about 1 weight % to about 5 weight %microcapsules, water and polyurethane, the microcapsules includinghydrogenated polyisobutene, fragrance, vitamins, moisturizers or dyesand a microcapsule coating having a polyacetal urea may be applied toenhance donnability. In an alternative embodiment, the microcapsulecoating may include polyamides and/or gelatin.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovided a further process for making a glove having a coating includingmicrocapsules. A standard latex coagulant, well known to those ofordinary skill in the art, is applied to a clean ceramic former anddried. The gelled latex is leached in water. The leached latex isordinarily dipped in an aluminum sulfate primer. For this process,however, the latex is not primed with aluminum sulfate but is dippeddirectly into the donning coating overdip including microcapsules,polyurethane and water. The latex film then enters the coating solutionof the present invention. The glove is then passed through ovens atelevated temperatures to dry and cure. Following curing, the glove maybe dipped in a silicone emulsion to improve donning and removal from theformer.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there isprovide a process for making a glove having a coating includingmicrocapsules for improved donning. A standard latex coagulant asdescribed herein is compounded with the coating solution of the presentinvention having microcapsules, water and polyurethane and is applied toa clean ceramic former and dried. The gelled latex is leached in water.The glove is then cured and treated in the usual manner of post-cureprocessing as set forth herein.

Another process for making a glove, using a coating of the presentinvention, may be made by utilizing the present invention as a finaldip. A standard latex coagulant, as has been described herein, isapplied to a clean ceramic former and dried. The ceramic former isdipped into compounded latex to form a rubber film in the shape of ahand. The gelled latex is leached in water. Additional coatings may beapplied over the latex glove, for instance a tackifying agent or anadhesive dip, followed by curing of the glove. The coating in thepresent invention is prepared as part of a slurry and used as a finaldip coating. The glove is then passed through an oven at elevatedtemperatures to dry and cure the product. Once the glove has been cured,it may be dipped in a silicone emulsion to facilitate improved donningcharacteristics. In addition, the silicone emulsion improves removal ofthe glove from the former.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with specificembodiments thereof, it is evident that alternatives, modifications andvariations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of theforegoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit andbroad scope of the appended claims.

1. A composition comprising a mixture of: water; a polyurethane; and amicrocapsule comprising a low viscosity hydrocarbon, fragrance, andvitamins, wherein the microcapsule has a coating comprising a polyacetalurea.
 2. The composition of claim 1 wherein the microcapsule furthercomprises moisturizers and dyes.
 3. The composition of claim 1 whereinthe microcapsule coating further comprises polyamides.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the microcapsule coating furthercomprises gelatin.
 5. The composition of claim 1 wherein themicrocapsule is present in an amount from about 1 weight % to about 5weight %.
 6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the polyurethane ispresent in an amount from about 1 weight % to about 15 weight %.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the low viscosity hydrocarbon is selectedfrom the group consisting of hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenatedpolybutene, and hydrogenated polydecene.
 8. The composition of claim 7wherein the low viscosity hydrocarbon is hydrogenated polyisobutene. 9.A composition comprising a mixture of: water; a polyurethane; and amicrocapsule comprising hydrogenated polyisobutene, vanilla fragrance,Vitamin A Palmitate, and Vitamin E Acetate, wherein the microcapsule hasa coating comprising a polyoxymethylene urea.
 10. The composition ofclaim 9 wherein the microcapsule further comprises moisturizers anddyes.
 11. The composition of claim 9 wherein the microcapsule coatingfurther comprises polyamides.
 12. The composition of claim 9 wherein themicrocapsule coating further comprises gelatin.
 13. The composition ofclaim 9 wherein the microcapsule is present in an amount from about 1weight % to about 5 weight %.
 14. The composition of claim 9 wherein thepolyurethane is present in an amount from about 1 weight % to about 15weight %.
 15. A glove comprising: an outside surface; and an inside skincontacting surface comprising microcapsules comprising a low viscosityhydrocarbon, fragrance, and vitamins, wherein the microcapsule has acoating comprising a polyacetal urea.
 16. The glove of claim 15 whereinthe microcapsule further comprises moisturizers and dyes.
 17. The gloveof claim 15 wherein the microcapsule coating further comprisespolyamides.
 18. The glove of claim 15 wherein the microcapsule coatingfurther comprises gelatin.
 19. The glove of claim 15 wherein the the lowviscosity hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting ofhydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated polybutene, and hydrogenatedpolydecene.
 20. The glove of claim 19 wherein the low viscosityhydrocarbon is hydrogenated polyisobutene.
 21. A glove comprising: anoutside surface; and an inside skin contacting surface comprisingmicrocapsules comprising hydrogenated polyisobutene, vanilla fragrance,Vitamin A Palmitate, and Vitamin E Acetate, wherein the microcapsule hasa coating comprising a polyoxymethylene urea.
 22. The glove of claim 21wherein the microcapsule further comprises moisturizers and dyes. 23.The glove of claim 21 wherein the microcapsule coating further comprisespolyamides.
 24. The glove of claim 21 wherein the microcapsule coatingfurther comprises gelatin.